Portuguese · Almada, Portugal · Born 4 November 1972Portuguese footballer and winger considered one of the greatest players of his generation, known for his controversial transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid
Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo was born in Almada, Portugal on 4 November 1972. He developed at Sporting CP before Barcelona signed him in 1995. His five seasons at the Camp Nou produced two La Liga titles. In 2000, he made the most controversial transfer in football history — moving to arch-rivals Real Madrid for a then-world-record £37.4 million. When he returned to the Camp Nou as a Madridista, Barcelona fans threw bottles, lighters and a pig's head at him during the match. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2000 — the same year as his transfer — and the FIFA World Player of the Year. He won the Champions League in 2002, La Liga twice and made 164 Madrid appearances. He earned 127 caps for Portugal — including the legendary 2004 Euro side that reached the final on home soil and the 2006 World Cup semi-final. He later served as a candidate for the FIFA presidency in 2015. He is regarded as one of the finest right wingers of his generation.
Ballon d'Or winner 2000 and controversial Barcelona to Real Madrid transfer
How They Played
Skillful winger with exceptional dribbling, pace, and crossing ability from both flanks
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest Portuguese players ever, instrumental in Portugal's golden generation
Career Honours
- Or 2000
- La Liga 2x (Barcelona), 1x (Real Madrid)
- Champions League 2002
- 127 Portugal caps
- Ballon d'Or 2000
- UEFA Euro 2004 Runner-up
- Copa del Rey 1998
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1997
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 1989–1995 | — | 40 | 136 | #7 |
| Barcelona | 1995–2000 | — | 172 | 30 | — |
| Real Madrid | 2000–2005 | — | 164 | 38 | — |
| Inter Milan | 2005–2009 | €3.2m | 79 | 4 | — |
 Portugal | — | — | 127 | 32 | — |
Portuguese Athletes